Thorsett said the decision was based on a state and national trend in licensing and accreditation that has pushed programs toward greater uniformity. That, he wrote, lessens the value the market places on distinctiveness and program quality.

Thorsett also noted the increase is masters programs available from local, online and for-profit competitors. He cited a study by the state's Teacher Standards and Practices Commission, which estimated about half of people licensed to teach since 1999 were not employed as teachers.